Monday, June 14, 2010

Scientists are speculating that there could be possible life on Saturn's moon Titan. They have found strange chemical activity that could lead to evidence of alien life.

Titan is the second largest moon in the solar system. Its bigger than both Mercury and Pluto. The atmosphere is very thick and full of nitrogen, methane, and other stuff. No liquid water exists on Titan, however, there are lakes of liquid methane.

Titan is way too cold to have liquid water, which as we know is essential for life; at least on our planet. Or is it?

With new discoveries like organisms found on Lost Hammer spring, Axel Heiberg island, Canada we now know that liquid water and oxygen are not the only elements that will support life. There are organisms that can breathe other elements like sulfate for example. In the case of Titan, scientists are measuring the depleting levels of hydrogen on the surface that are without any explanation whatsoever.

Could it be possible that there are microscopic organisms consuming the hydrogen?

One thing to consider is that the previous measurements of Titan's hydrogen levels could have been over estimated. That would make it seem as if the hydrogen on the surface is depleting when its really not. Only future tests will tell.

Currently, the Titan Mare Explorer is being proposed to NASA for development. If NASA accepts the proposal then it will be set to launch around 2017. The only way for us to know for certain if there is life on Titan is the send a probe up there. Until then, we can only speculate what's up there and causing this strange chemical disturbance. It might be alien life; it might be nothing. For the sake of my sanity, I hope its life!

About TimeHuman

This blog is written by independent researcher/writer Simon Gallings. As such, it will contain many bits on subjects like: space, future tech, robotics, strange science, animal behavior, and much more.

Mission statement: to help spread scientific knowledge and to create interest and enthusiasm in the sciences.